BO105 Continues as Workhorse, Topping 8 Million Hours

Source: Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters BO105 have completed a total of 8 million flight hours. With the introduction of its hingeless main rotor head, the BO105 paved the way for the bearingless rotor systems of today’s helicopters. In total, more than 1,400 BO105 helicopters were delivered to customers between 1970 and 2009. In addition to Germany, the BO105 was also manufactured under license in the Philippines, Indonesia, Spain and Canada. Approximately 700 BO105 are still in service worldwide today, in the air rescue, police, oil and gas and corporate transport segments. Last year, the rotorcraft completed about 125,000 flight hours.

The German Armed Forces is the biggest user, having also integrated the BO105 into its fleet as the PAH1 anti-tank helicopter. Meanwhile, the longest-serving BO105 was commissioned back in 1974 and is still carrying out aerial work on the Falkland Islands and has completed nearly 21,000 flight hours.

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